Inspiring Middle School Minds: Gifted, Creative, and Challenging: Brain- and Research-Based Strategies to Enhance Learning for Gifted Students - Softcover

"This new book on working with middle school gifted students is refreshing in its no nonsense approach to the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing their needs. It also provides important up-to-date information on understanding current neuroscience research that may be useful to understand in crafting interventions and working with these adolescents on a daily basis as a teacher or parent. I was truly impressed by the tone and style of the author in making the book accessible reading to multiple audiences. I believe it is must reading for middle school educators and the parents of middle schoolers everywhere." -- Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Ed.D. "Executive Director, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary, Past President, National Association for Gifted Children"

Dr. Willis explores the transitional black hole that is middle school... especially how it relates to the cognitive and neurological development of gifted learners as they evolve out of the more nurturing environment of elementary years and before they reach the (hopefully) more rigorous challenges of secondary education...She also draws upon her own teaching experience and provides practical examples of what can be done right now to again make middle school years engaging, stimulating, and fun for all learners. -- Brooke Burling "Connecticut Association for the Gifted Newsletter"

Dr. Willis' book is the 'real deal.' Her ideas are practical and inspirational, and undoubtedly will help parents and educators of gifted teenagers age gracefully during this period of rapid change! -- Jackie Drummer, President "WI Association for Talented and Gifted"

Dr. Willis has the unique perspective of a person well-educated and practiced in two tangentially related fields. She had years of experience as a neurologist before going on to receive a master's degree in education. This book makes use not only of her time spent as a classroom teacher, but also a detailed knowledge of brain development... a thought-provoking book and a must-have for parents and educators. -- Lorel Shea "BellaOnline's Gifted Education Editor"

This book is an excellent resource for teachers and parents of gifted middle school students. It provides a wealth of information about what happens to gifted middle school students' brains and how to best meet their academic and social needs... The author explains why gifted middle school students exhibit poor judgment and decision making. She reminds teachers and parents that, 'Your responses to these admissions of lapses in judgment will help them trust you to be understanding and fair when they do make mistakes' (p. 36). I will try to remember this the next time my daughter tries to paint her face with food coloring and it won't come off her face or the carpet! -- Teresa Rowlison, Ph.D. "New Mexico Association for the Gifted, Program Coordinator, College of Education, Distance Education, New Mexico State University"

"A welcome and much-needed resource. Willis shows how neuroscience, teaching, giftedness, and adolescence connect to inform best practice for parents and teachers. She provides sensible 'neurological strategies' that are aligned with a mastery orientation for learning. Readers will be informed and inspired." -Dona J. Matthews, Ph.D., and Joanne F. Foster, Ed.D., Co-authors of Being Smart About Gifted Children: A Guidebook for Parents and Educators # "This new book on working with middle school gifted students is refreshing in its no nonsense approach to the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing their needs. It also provides important up-to-date information on understanding current neuroscience research that may be useful to understand in crafting interventions and working with these adolescents on a daily basis as a teacher or parent. I was truly impressed by the tone and style of the author in making the book accessible reading to multiple audiences. I believe it is must reading for middle school educators and the parents of middle schoolers everywhere." - Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Ed.D., Executive Director, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary, Past President, National Association for Gifted Children # "Dr. Willis explains the findings of brain-based research in learning and development as it applies to the real lives of gifted children, their teachers, and school reform. It is gratifying to see someone in gifted education focusing on the source of gifted intellect--the brain." -Paul Beljan, Psy.D., ABPN, Neuropsychologist, Co-author of Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults